These startups—and more than 4,000 like them from around the globe—have entered the Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) to solve the payments and commerce challenges of tomorrow. The annual regional competitions have involved people from more than 75 countries and offer entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of industry leaders to win cash prizes, mentorship and networking opportunities to help expand and scale their ideas. Since launching in 2015, the startups that have participated in VEI have collectively raised more than $2.5 billion in funding, with more than 221 finalists and 70 winners selected.

The VEI competition in the United States is now open and accepting entries until March 25, with the finals being held in May. U.S.-based competitors are invited to solve for three challenges.

Challenge #1: Driving digital issuanceHow can startups make it easier for issuers to provide digital solutions and for consumers to switch to cardless solutions? Seeking startups in these sectors: ID, authentication and security, direct business and consumer lending, online banking, process and pay infrastructure.

Last year’s U.S. competition received 900 total submissions with 71 percent of entering startups including a woman on their leadership team. Find out more about the Visa Everywhere Initiative and submit your startup today.